The image shows a view across a river or body of water towards a town or cityscape. The horizon line runs through the middle of the image, marked by the silhouette of buildings and trees. The technique seems to be a detailed etching with fine lines and cross-hatching creating depth and texture. The color palette is monochromatic, using various shades of gray for light and shadow. Closest to the viewer are elements like the edge of a ship, ropes, and a couple of figures. Further out, there are small boats on the water, and in the distance, trees and architectural structures populate the horizon. Subtle indications of structures and foliage fill the background, creating a urban riverscape.
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The image shows a view across a river or body of water towards a town or cityscape. The horizon line runs through the middle of the image, marked by the silhouette of buildings and trees. The technique seems to be a detailed etching with fine lines and cross-hatching creating depth and texture. The color palette is monochromatic, using various shades of gray for light and shadow. Closest to the viewer are elements like the edge of a ship, ropes, and a couple of figures. Further out, there are small boats on the water, and in the distance, trees and architectural structures populate the horizon. Subtle indications of structures and foliage fill the background, creating a urban riverscape.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Battersea from Chelsea

Théodore Roussel

Date
c. 1888 - 1889
Medium
etching on wove paper
Dimensions
plate (cut to plate mark): 6.3 × 9 cm (2 1/2 × 3 9/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.7585
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1876 to 1900
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • British
  • Tree
  • Water
  • Boat
  • Building
  • Figures
Provenance

Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA; gift to NGA, 1943.

Inscription

"Theodore Roussel" lower right composition, in plate, artist's hand. "Theodore Roussel" lower left tab, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "Imp" lower left tab, graphite, artist's hand. Verso: none.

Marks

"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).

Watermarks

None.

NGA object ID 10381. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.